Image credit: drkundead, The Cemetery Scene
terrene redolent
of lilies, burning incense...
city of the dead
memorial vignettes
atop immaculate crypts...
tribute to forebears
wicked truth pondered...
the day i take my last sleep
where will i wake up...
what of my days and
perhaps with a smile...
© Bing Yap [PinkLady] 2012
All Rights Reserved
"Undas" is traditionally celebrated in the Philippines every 1st (All Saints' Day) and 2nd (All Souls' Day) days of November. It is that time of the year when most Filipinos congregate at the cemeteries to honor their departed loved ones by visiting the graves of deceased relatives, offering prayers and colorful bouquets, lighting candles and incense (for the Filipino-Chinese).
Often, the occasion becomes a reunion of sorts where a banquet is shared around the graves and children have fun making wax balls out of melted candles. Both days are official state-recognized holidays in the country.
Thank you for sharing! This sounds amazing and I love your descriptive poem...beautiful!
ReplyDeletehi ella, thanks for dropping by. :)
ReplyDeletelovely share.
ReplyDeleteamazing write. thanks for sharing! we chinese over here have a similar tradition to "undas" called "qing ming".
ReplyDeleteI always have loved your poems. Enjoy visiting those near and dear to you. We don't have an official holiday like this in the U.S., but I still visit and converse with those that have passed.
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific day. :)
Your blog is amazing! One click on the message you left on my poem, and I have a dove of peace flying straight toward me! Wow. And then this poem of the day and the neatness and extravagance of the stones! I would imagine your works (including poetry) and faith will be enough to garner you the smile--and one for your narrator too. What a heavy burden it would be to have such an influence that statues and images kept us alive?
ReplyDeletemindful thoughts,
ReplyDeleteyou write with wit.
do you have wicked truth in mind?
ReplyDeletevery abstract writing.
jacobean, alissa and rachel,
ReplyDeletethanks for appreciating my piece and for stopping by.
dsnake1, these are traditions that we pass on to our children
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping by.
hi sandee, i converse with james every single day until now. it somehow gives me a sense of comfort whenever i do that.
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend, dear!
hi susan, that's so nice of you to say. i'm glad you like my blog. thank you for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteExcellent poem
ReplyDeletethanks tatius :)
ReplyDeleteunique senses, well said.
ReplyDeletethanks malia :)
ReplyDeletethank you for the explanation! love your poem!
ReplyDelete♥
my heart's love songs, thanks for appreciating and for stopping by. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's always interesting to hear about other cultures traditions. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeletea day at a unique location,
ReplyDeletethe description is dynamic and fun.
robyn and yielday, thanks for stopping by. :)
ReplyDeletesome fantastic imagery.
ReplyDelete